7 Great Books about Positive Mindsets
Recommended Summer Reading for Adult Learning
When summer rolls around, we’re conditioned to think about vacation and summer reading lists from our school days. I always find myself dreaming of a beach or pool that I can go to and lose myself in a book. These days, there’s a lot to stay positive about, and such healthy habits of mind are, well, top of mind for many!
We at CONSTRUCTING CONFIDENCE are sharing our favorite adult books about the science of positivity so that we can model good behaviors and practice these lifelong skill sets alongside our kids (whether our children or students in the classroom).
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In The Positivity Toolbox, we point to Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky research about research-based behaviors that can actually enhance our feelings of positivity, thereby allowing us to be more resilient, confident, and yes, even happier. In her book, The How of Happiness, she shares that 50% of our positivity is due to our makeup (biology and genetics), 10% is due to life circumstances — those ups and downs, and 40% is within our control through intentional activity.
So, step one is to intentionally earmark one or two of these books for your summer reading list:
- Mindset: Updated Edition: Changing The Way You Think To Fulfil Your Potential by Carol S. Dweck (Author)
World-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, in decades of research on achievement and success, has discovered a truly groundbreaking idea: the power of our mindset. - Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” - Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
A bestselling book that has helped millions of people around the world adapt and succeed in changing times. - How Full is Your Bucket?: Positive strategies for work & life by Tom Rath & Donald O. Clifton, PhD
Grounded in 50 years of research, this book will show you how to greatly increase the positive moments in your work and your life — while reducing the negative. - Presence: Bringing your boldest self to your biggest challenges by Amy Cuddy, PhD
Learn the simple techniques you’ll need to approach your biggest challenges with confidence. - The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance: What Women Should Know―Unlocking the Science of Self-Confidence by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
The authors of the New York Times bestseller Womenomics deconstruct [confidence] this essential, elusive, and misunderstood quality and offer a blueprint for bringing more of it into our lives. - The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking risks, messing up, & becoming your amazingly imperfect, totally powerful self by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
While this book is written for teens, we consider it powerful for adults to read! From the bestselling authors of The Confidence Code (linked above), this empowering and entertaining guide gives girls the essential yet elusive code to becoming bold, brave, and fearless.
As you steep yourself in positivity this summer, do check The Positivity Toolbox, chock full of activities that you can do with children ages 4–12 to develop positive mindsets. We have partnered with Robin to offer a leading mental health solution to support children’s success in and out of the classroom. Check out their offerings — including The Positivity Toolbox — as part of your camp programming, school preparation, or even to support your youngsters at home. How can we help?
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